[dori9941]

I have 2 hydrometers and the tests that u dip. My results for salt level are all differant. the floating one says its low, the red sea one with the"hand" that floats says it's perfect. It's dark blue on the test kit. it's the 5 in 1 dip test from jungel. It is darker blue than thats on the result page which end at 300 ppm. I think It's logical to trust the test srip because it doesn't need calabrating. What Should I trust so I can fix it. Thanks. my 2nd sw pwc went great other then this little(big) set back. thank!
p.s. i will get the liquid test kits soon

[pogodzib]

Both the dip test strips and hydrometers can be very inaccurate, which is why I always recommend that anyone with a reef tank spend around $45 and gets a refractometer, or at least find someone that has one to compare how far off the hydrometer is compared to the refractometer.

[dori9941]

i'm getting 1 in a few months. i can't get anything right now. which would you trust most of the 3

[pogodzib]

For salinity, until you either get a refractometer or can compare your results with a refractometer, I'd definitely go with the hydrometer that reads the highest. From my experience, most hydrometers read on the low side. The most common readings that I have seen with hydrometers are ones that are reading between 3-6ppm low.

[dori9941]

thanks thats what i did, lol

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by dori9941

i'm getting 1 in a few months. i can't get anything right now. which would you trust most of the 3

Unfortunately if you wait a few months you will continue to get inaccurate readings for your salinity

[Krazy]

Refractormeter, no others !

[e_baer]

you can get refractomers for fairly cheap on ebay.

[wesley6610]

Cheap is an understatement, I got mines for about $35 and $7 for shipping, so $42 altogether.

[dori9941]

thanks. i'll have to try to save $15 a week. i have to get school pictures this week they only gave us 1 1/2 weeks to save for them .right now we get $260 a week a good week. after taxes. i'll get it asap thanks guys. the fish are good colors and active. they seem fine. ill be sure to measure perfect when i do next change.